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allyareads's reviews
382 reviews
Psycho Shifters by Jasmine Mas
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
*Brain Rot Book of the Month*
I typed in funny, unhinged, action, fantasy into Tiktok and this was the first suggestion. The algorithm did not lie, this was a hilarious, batshit, violent, omegaverse, fantasy.
It was absurd and exactly what I needed.
My thoughts are as follows:
Our FMC: It's a universal truth that girlies with trauma and tummy issues are the funniest and Sadie is hilarious BUT minus points for describing herself as scrawny at nauseam.
The men:
Asher: minus 1 million point and jail time for the repeated use of the word Sl*t and for just being a man.
Jax: minus 1000 points for remembering to respect women because he has sisters, plus 1000 points for his jewelry and piercings.
Cobra: minus 3 million points for his general personality, his manner, and his conduct. Plus 1 singular point for his taste in men.
Read at your own discretion
I typed in funny, unhinged, action, fantasy into Tiktok and this was the first suggestion. The algorithm did not lie, this was a hilarious, batshit, violent, omegaverse, fantasy.
It was absurd and exactly what I needed.
My thoughts are as follows:
Our FMC: It's a universal truth that girlies with trauma and tummy issues are the funniest and Sadie is hilarious BUT minus points for describing herself as scrawny at nauseam.
The men:
Asher: minus 1 million point and jail time for the repeated use of the word Sl*t and for just being a man.
Jax: minus 1000 points for remembering to respect women because he has sisters, plus 1000 points for his jewelry and piercings.
Cobra: minus 3 million points for his general personality, his manner, and his conduct. Plus 1 singular point for his taste in men.
Read at your own discretion
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book is so sweet, it'll give you a toothache. Much like the first book but step up the angst (by a lot) and give us a couple new POVs (more please).
The Villain is giving his best interpretation of Mr Dancy which is basically a lot of pining, being grumpy, briefly smiling, and almost spontaneously combusts just by having his hand brush Evie.
Evie however seems to be auditioning for the mantle of Knife Wife™️. Violent is a good look for her.
Just as enjoyable as the first book but did drag a little in some parts. I'm still excited to read the next book.
PS Thank you Penguin for the reader copy xx
The Villain is giving his best interpretation of Mr Dancy which is basically a lot of pining, being grumpy, briefly smiling, and almost spontaneously combusts just by having his hand brush Evie.
Evie however seems to be auditioning for the mantle of Knife Wife™️. Violent is a good look for her.
Just as enjoyable as the first book but did drag a little in some parts. I'm still excited to read the next book.
PS Thank you Penguin for the reader copy xx
Psycho Fae by Jasmine Mas
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Sadie still can't run, the boys are still dumb, Aran is still babygirl♥ but now we're in a Gladiator style Hunger Games *shrug*
I had a really good time but gun to my head I wouldn't be able to recount the events of this book. I know there was a lot of blood, violence and giggling.
*shrug*
I had a really good time but gun to my head I wouldn't be able to recount the events of this book. I know there was a lot of blood, violence and giggling.
*shrug*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was afraid I wouldn't be as fond of Chrysantha as much as Alessandra but I had nothing to be fearful of. Chrysantha has just as much charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent as her diabolical sister (huge compliment)
I love my female MCs to be the big three M's:
*Moxie
*Manipulative
*Murderous
All she wants is a little country life with a library full of romance/adventure books, a lush garden, enough wealth to rival the King, and freedom from men and we love that for her 🖤
and if she has to spy, cheat, exploit, kill (?) to get it than I 100% support that.
I think putting this as a young adult does it a disservice and honestly based on brothels/sex workers alone I think needs to be reconsidered. This is YA like ACOTAR is YA, ya know?
Big thank you to Michelle at Allen &Unwin for the readers copy. I had the best time❤️
I love my female MCs to be the big three M's:
*Moxie
*Manipulative
*Murderous
All she wants is a little country life with a library full of romance/adventure books, a lush garden, enough wealth to rival the King, and freedom from men and we love that for her 🖤
and if she has to spy, cheat, exploit, kill (?) to get it than I 100% support that.
I think putting this as a young adult does it a disservice and honestly based on brothels/sex workers alone I think needs to be reconsidered. This is YA like ACOTAR is YA, ya know?
Big thank you to Michelle at Allen &Unwin for the readers copy. I had the best time❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Animal death and War
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I struggle to articulate what exactly it is that makes me love Ursula's writing and stories but maybe it is something akin to magic. Bespelled to cater to perfectly fit my taste.
I was so excited to read this * and it did not disappoint. Aside from the obvious reasons, I think it's because I didn't remember the Grimm Brothers Goose Girl. While that definitely helped with the mystery whilst reading, I did read it afterwards and when I say this is a loose retelling. The same way What Moves the Dead was The Fall of the House of Usher retelling. So keep that in mind.
Now the 'obvious' reasons:
Although it is described as dark on the cover, in the synopsis, in the marketing, on this site I don't think I really have any idea of what I'm getting into**. Like with her other books it's less obvious and much more subtle and menacing.
This is more of a character study and I loved Cordelia and Hester.
It was so refreshing to bounce between two wildly different protagonists. A young girl feeling younger so from her nativity and sheltered upbringing and a woman feeling older than she is from weariness of the world and some sore knees. Both observe so much either from cunning or fear.
I did happen to find one moment when there was a slight jump mid POV but for the most part it felt effortless.
I joked that I might not be the target audience since I don't have mommy issues when reading the synopsis, this book felt like it was giving me mummy issues (!!). If you have complicated relationships with a parent, gird your loins. The conversation of bodily autonomy, striping of identity, and abuse could be triggering and I would suggest looking up the other content warnings.
I'm becoming a big fan of paranormal thrillers. Especially in an onslaught of big, epic high fantasy books coming out at the moment (I love them too but it's nice to have a break).
The ending did feel like a mad sprint that escalated and resolved too quickly but aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed this story and these characters.
It looks like I will be continuing my reading of everything Ursula has written and (statically speaking) loving it. She's six for six and I am yet to be disappointed.
*thank you, thank you, thank you New South especially Kat. You may have my firstborn.
** see also: Thornhedge and Nettle and Bone.
I was so excited to read this * and it did not disappoint. Aside from the obvious reasons, I think it's because I didn't remember the Grimm Brothers Goose Girl. While that definitely helped with the mystery whilst reading, I did read it afterwards and when I say this is a loose retelling. The same way What Moves the Dead was The Fall of the House of Usher retelling. So keep that in mind.
Now the 'obvious' reasons:
Although it is described as dark on the cover, in the synopsis, in the marketing, on this site I don't think I really have any idea of what I'm getting into**. Like with her other books it's less obvious and much more subtle and menacing.
This is more of a character study and I loved Cordelia and Hester.
It was so refreshing to bounce between two wildly different protagonists. A young girl feeling younger so from her nativity and sheltered upbringing and a woman feeling older than she is from weariness of the world and some sore knees. Both observe so much either from cunning or fear.
I did happen to find one moment when there was a slight jump mid POV but for the most part it felt effortless.
I joked that I might not be the target audience since I don't have mommy issues when reading the synopsis, this book felt like it was giving me mummy issues (!!). If you have complicated relationships with a parent, gird your loins. The conversation of bodily autonomy, striping of identity, and abuse could be triggering and I would suggest looking up the other content warnings.
I'm becoming a big fan of paranormal thrillers. Especially in an onslaught of big, epic high fantasy books coming out at the moment (I love them too but it's nice to have a break).
The ending did feel like a mad sprint that escalated and resolved too quickly but aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed this story and these characters.
It looks like I will be continuing my reading of everything Ursula has written and (statically speaking) loving it. She's six for six and I am yet to be disappointed.
*thank you, thank you, thank you New South especially Kat. You may have my firstborn.
** see also: Thornhedge and Nettle and Bone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Confinement and Medical content
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book has me feeling pretty conflicted.
*A kind of morbid version of 'You’ve Got Mail' pen pals? I'm into it.
*Finally dropping the Lore at page 139!?! Almost unforgivable.
*Normalising the library service: Iconic and appreciated.
*It being over 400 page: you're pushing it.
*Gay people: you've charmed me.
Are you picking up what I'm putting down?
Ultimately I really liked it (I got a little teary at the end) but I know with a few changes I could LOVE this book＊
Overall 3.9/5 ★
＊If you do love it, I love that for you babes
*A kind of morbid version of 'You’ve Got Mail' pen pals? I'm into it.
*Finally dropping the Lore at page 139!?! Almost unforgivable.
*Normalising the library service: Iconic and appreciated.
*It being over 400 page: you're pushing it.
*Gay people: you've charmed me.
Are you picking up what I'm putting down?
Ultimately I really liked it (I got a little teary at the end) but I know with a few changes I could LOVE this book＊
Overall 3.9/5 ★
＊If you do love it, I love that for you babes
Leather and Lark by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
If I had to take a drink for every time the word ‘sardonic’ was used I’d have alcohol poisoning. If you add the word ‘smirk’ in I’m dead.
The funny bits were hilarious, the smut was pretty cringe and the rest was fine. Lark is a fucking delight and made me appreciate Firework by Katy Perry.
Overall: a good time
The funny bits were hilarious, the smut was pretty cringe and the rest was fine. Lark is a fucking delight and made me appreciate Firework by Katy Perry.
Overall: a good time
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
One of my favourite things in the universe is a sentient house. My other favourite is a broody, chaotic, bisexual wizard. Niche, I know but you can understand how excited I was when I found out that it wasn't just Howl's Moving Castle that fits the bill.
This is the Polish folklore version of Howl's Moving Castle (the Ghibli movie not the Diana Wynne Jones book). It's just as beautiful, atmospheric, and genuinely sweet.
It doesn't reinvent the wheel but it's a solid cozy fantasy easy read.
Thank you Penguin for the reader copy I had such a good time.
This is the Polish folklore version of Howl's Moving Castle (the Ghibli movie not the Diana Wynne Jones book). It's just as beautiful, atmospheric, and genuinely sweet.
It doesn't reinvent the wheel but it's a solid cozy fantasy easy read.
Thank you Penguin for the reader copy I had such a good time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, and Abandonment
The Sunshine Court by Nora Sakavic
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Raven King by Nora Sakavic
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ouch. My heart hurts.
I can't really formulate coherent review but here are the few I do have:
- Neil, my brother in christ, what the actual fuck!!
- Why am I crying over house keys/car keys/phones?
- I would give Andrew a forehead kiss if there wasn't the certainty of being stabbed as a result.
- Why are Andrew and Aaron twins but somehow Neil makes you feel like Aaron is ugly?
Unreliable narrator indeed.
- I finally understand the rules of Exy (huge for me since I hate sports)
- I'm on my way to murder Riko ✌︎︎
- I need a cigarette
I can't really formulate coherent review but here are the few I do have:
- Neil, my brother in christ, what the actual fuck!!
- Why am I crying over house keys/car keys/phones?
- I would give Andrew a forehead kiss if there wasn't the certainty of being stabbed as a result.
- Why are Andrew and Aaron twins but somehow Neil makes you feel like Aaron is ugly?
Unreliable narrator indeed.
- I finally understand the rules of Exy (huge for me since I hate sports)
- I'm on my way to murder Riko ✌︎︎
- I need a cigarette